Adoption

Question 1

How are adoptions regulated in VA?

Answer 1

Statute

Question 2

Who can be adopted?

Answer 2

Any adult or minor

Question 3

What is rule for adopting an adult?

Answer 3

Must be 15 years younger than petitioner

Know them for at least 1 year

Consent of adoptee

Question 4

Can foster parents adopt?

Answer 4

Yes if child lived continuously in the home for 6 months and parental rights have been terminated

Question 5

Who must consent to an adoption?

Answer 5

The biological parents must terminate their parental rights

Question 6

Are there any scenarios where biological father do not need to consent to an adoption?

Answer 6

Identity of father unknown - he doesn’t need to consent

If known, consent isn’t necessary if he doesn’t respond within 21 days of notice

Question 7

What is a situation where a child has to consent to adoption?

Answer 7

14 or older

Question 8

What type of evidence is needed for court to judicially terminate parental rights?

Answer 8

Clear and convincing

Question 9

What are the three grounds for discretionary judicial termination of parental rights?

Answer 9

Neglect

Abuse

Abandonment

Question 10

Can an objection of a child overcome judicial termination of parental rights order?

Answer 10

Yes if they’re over 14.